[Circuit Rider]

Hello,

I just ordered the main top replacement part # AP3960352 for our Kenmore range from the folks who provide this forum. I would like to explore what it takes for me to replace this myself. I'll really need some good help.
I convinced my wife to cancel the home service call from the Sears Repair Center. I convinced her I can do this. I have to run to town but will check back in later. I'm hoping that somebody will have the expertise to walk me through this when my top arrives? Thanks in advance.

Clay

[Gene]

Clay,

The instructions are attached to the reply. Good luck.

Gene.

[Circuit Rider]

Hi Gene,
Thank you for the attachement. Forgive my lack of expertise it's going to show here. When I review the attachment it appears that it is geared to removing or replacing the heating elements instead of the broken glass cooking top?

Or will my mission of removing the broken glass cooking surface and replacing it with the new top be carried out using the instructions used for replacing the elements? Thanks so much for your patience.

Clay

[Gene]

Clay,

The heating elements are secured to the glass top. So you have to remove everything what is attached to the old glass top and install it to the new one.

Gene.
P.S. You'll see it much more clear when the new part will arrive.

[Circuit Rider]

Thanks Gene,

I'm sure it will be. Now to wait patiently for the replacement top. Again thank you...
Clay

[Gene]

You are welcome and keep us posted.

Gene.

[sunmonleh]

Clay's link to instruction app shows removing the two or three screws in front, raising the top & removing a burner element. Once you raise the top, it will detach from the back just by pulling it out - it fits over a hinge stud in range walls - very easy. Don't forget to unplug the burner element connects. best to remove top with burner elements in place, turn over on floor, and remove burner element clips or bar (Kenmore has clips, not the solid bar). Transfer to new top, turn over, push in back over hinge studs with top at 45 degrees, then plug in, lower & replace front screws.

[Circuit Rider]

Sunmonleh very detailed explanation.....very appreciated. I'm gaining confidence for this from you folks and even looking forward to it.Thanks again.
Clay

[Circuit Rider]

Hurray the cooktop has arrived. Mystery solved. I thought the metal bisquit colored fram or rim and the black ceramic glass cooking surface were two seperate pieces. Not so...the frame and glassinsert or all one piece. I fretted over how I was going to seal the glass insert into the metal frame and have a factory seal about the perimeter of the cooking surface! Myster solved. As Gene said " P.S. You'll see it much more clear when the new part will arrive".

With Genes picture illustrations and Sunmonleh's tips...I'm anticipating this will be a walk in the park! Thanks fellas, I'll keep y'all posted when I'm done.The wife is baking cookies right now and I can't get to the stove but will attack this honey do when able.

~ Clay ~

[Circuit Rider]

Hurray.......started taking out first screw at 7:33 PM PST. Finished installing and testing cook top at 7:50 PM. Seventeen minute fix! The top cost me approx $ 277.00 including shipping. Were retired....fixed income. If you know what I mean. I have no idea what it would have cost me to have a professional Sears repairman come and repair the range. Thank you Gene.....and Sunmonleh for helping me to stretch our budget dollars!


My wife felt awful accidentally damaging the range top. She is still in the dumps for us being out the $$$$ ....but not as awful as she could have been if I hadn't talked her into canceling the Sears repair call......
Again...my appreciation to you both.


Blessings,
In Him,
Clay